Bridge Authority Commissioners

My name is Jacob Anderson, and I currently serve as a commissioner for Klickitat County. Additionally, I hold the position of co-vice chair on the Bridge Authority.

I've had a lifelong connection to the current bridge. I've been crossing it for as long as I can remember, and every winter, I rely on it to access the mountain for skiing with my family. Many community members use the bridge for childcare and healthcare. This bridge is undeniably a lifeline for the community.

Replacing the bridge is of paramount importance to our community due to its deteriorating condition. With each passing year, it deteriorates further, and the maintenance costs rise to unsustainable levels. Building a new bridge is currently a more cost-effective solution than continually investing in maintenance for the next decade. I believe we should redirect the funds that would otherwise go into repairs towards constructing a new bridge, which will grant us another century of reliable service.

My background has equipped me well for my role on the Bridge Authority, which involves making critical executive decisions regarding the bridge's design, operations, and long-term maintenance. My tenure as a county commissioner has uniquely prepared me for this responsibility, as it has given me experience in both legislative and executive functions, enabling me to manage a complex project like this effectively.

My personal goals for the Bridge Authority are twofold: first, to see the successful construction of the new bridge, and second, to ensure that operational costs are kept as low as possible. By managing costs effectively, my aim is to maintain affordable tolls for the bridge over the next hundred years, benefiting both our community and the region.